Premier Ewart Brown accepted an esteemed award from his alma mater, Howard University, on Saturday, in Washington DC.

Dr. Brown, who received the Distinguished Alumni Award, was a member of Howard University's undergraduate Class of 1968 and graduated from the medical school in 1972.

CNN's Fredricka Whitfield, an anchor on the American cable news channel, was among this year's recipients of the award, for her career achievements in journalism.

The Premier's recognition honoured his work in government and community service. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Brown told an audience of 2,000:

"There have been so many connections built in my life as a result of Howard I am grateful for every single one of them.

"I know what some of those friends are thinking right now. They're saying, 'Ewart if you became a man at Howard 40 years ago, this award tonight must be when you become an old man'.

Well not so fast, my friends, not so fast. This Howard grad is proud to be honoured for a lifetime of work in government and community service, but please know that this life 'ain't' over not yet not by a long shot."

The awards were presented at a black tie Charter Day Dinner which was part of a weekend celebrating the historically black college's 141st anniversary.

Other recipients included: Maria Cabret, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands, awarded for her career in law; Harry Robinson III, awarded for work in architecture and education; Judge Ive Swan (law); and Dr. Lucius Walker (education).In past years Howard University presented Distinguished Alumni Awards to many notable figures including: Ossie Davis (actor), Debbie Allen (choreographer and TV producer), Andrew Young (Mayor, Congressman and Ambassador), Vernon Jordan (lawyer and business executive), and Phylicia Rashad (actress).

Many members of Dr. Brown's family attended the awards dinner and he paid homage to them for their support in his acceptance speech, giving special tribute to his wife, Wanda Henton-Brown.

He noted: "To my wife Wanda, who claims she was in elementary school when I was taking over buildings at Howard, I say thank you for your undying love, patience and understanding.

"I would never have become the leader of my country without your sage advice and your fierce determination to stand beside me when the vile attacks came our way. To my sons Kevin, Maurice, Trey and Donnie, thanks for your unending love and for teaching me patience and for finally conceding that as you have grown older, your Dad has grown wiser.

"To my brothers Phil and Vincent and my sister Emelita, thank you for your unconditional support over the years and for not changing your facial expressions when I knew you thought I was out of my mind!

"To my grandchildren Caleb and Keira and their mom Chanel, thanks for coming all the way from California to this private family dinner with 2,000 of my closest friends."